2001 TJ frame repair and cost

Sorry to hear that. That's a tough pill to swallow, but you should be able to make some of the money back and eventually it will be out of sight and out of mind.

I can tell you from my experience shopping for parts that you can fetch good money for just about any part in/on it if it's in good condition (ie seats, doors, tops, mirrors, dashboard parts, etc). If you get to that point research stuff on eBay, and FB Marketplace to get an idea on price. Ebay is going to fetch more, but would be easier for smaller items that can ship without too much hassle.
 
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Sorry to hear you are going to have to get rid of it, but it sounds like you’re making the right move. Keep your eyes out for a clean one, now you know what to look for!
Also, I’d be interested in your multi-function switch if you have factory fog lights and the switch works.
 
What, no pictures!

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What, no pictures!
Sorry I'm new here and it was hard to find these photos! I just had a buddy of mine do the mid section repair today but this is the rear section mentioned by the OP. As you can see a prefabricated frame section was purchased and was welded on to sturdy up the frame. This is not the prettiest solution but it is functionable. The mid section done today was $45 off eBay and the qualified fabricator charged $150/ side. He probably had about 5 hours in today's job. The rear section shown above was more involved and involved some cutting and hitting. I believe that was similar costs in labor but much more for the prefabbed steel which includes the mount to the rear lower control arms... I will send a better picture in the morning. Also rotted out was the body that mounts to the frame. This was also patched using 1/8" steel plate. New bushings were inserted during this stage of the "rebuild".

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It's still got some good meat around the bolts but yes I do eventually. New ones are very expensive, I think around $400??. I may go searching for one at the yard or perhaps get creative with dropping a side a time and welding some plate around the holes. It's no lie these things are true rust buckets... But hey at least they have a frame to weld to unlike most vehicles.
 
After paint, it's looking pretty nice. Fixing the rear section, mid section and the body where it meets the frame (not sure what this area is referred to) I believe I spent about $1,200 for parts and labor over about a years course of time. As these cars age we will see a diminished number on the streets, I think it's an investment worth going after to keep the daily driver TJ a thing for generations to come. Automotive shops typically will not do this work so sourcing a specialist will be needed if you are not (like myself) handy with a welder. I recommend calling your local machine fabricator and ask if they are taking work on the side, if not ask to speak with one of their fabricators. You will be surprised to find talented persons willing to service your junk. Good luck everyone :) and always remember a beer can go a long ways ;)

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